The Regressed Mercenary’s Machinations

“Graaagh!”

Ismoken let out a bloodcurdling scream as his leg shattered. Ghislain didn’t stop there—he systematically crushed every limb.

As if that wasn’t enough, he channeled his mana directly into Ismoken’s heart. Until it dispersed, this mana would interfere with Ismoken’s ability to heal.

Killing him now was not an option. Ismoken needed to be kept alive and brought before the Pope.

Only then would the Pope personally relay to every kingdom that the Demonic Realm was on the move.

“Hah… That took a few days, but finally catching you makes it all worth it.”

“Guhh… You bastard…”

“Thanks to you, the world will now learn that the Demonic Realm has begun its activity. Your little cult won’t be stirring up any more trouble.”

“Urgh…”

Despair clouded Ismoken’s expression. More than his own defeat, the fact that his order’s long-standing mission had been derailed because of him was a much harsher blow.

There was only one thing left for him to do. Even if he had lost, he had to ensure the Guwon Church’s existence remained a secret at all costs.

His limbs were shattered, rendering him immobile, but he still had a way to take his own life.

Ismoken clenched his jaw and bit down on his tongue with all his strength.

“Nggh…”

But the moment he did, his expression crumbled in shock.

No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t muster the strength to bite down. His entire body felt drained, as if all power had left him.

Seeing this, Ghislain let out a small chuckle.

“Don’t even bother. My mana has completely seized control of your nervous system.”

“…”

Ismoken had no choice but to give up. His opponent had a countermeasure for everything.

Ghislain grabbed him and dragged him across the ground, heading toward where his comrades were waiting. Even as he walked, he kept checking the state of Ismoken’s body, monitoring how much mana was being consumed.

If his body recovered even slightly, Ismoken would either try to escape or kill himself.

That meant he had to be constantly restrained, preventing him from regaining even an ounce of strength.

It was tedious work, but there was no other way to ensure he was delivered alive.

As Ghislain pulled Ismoken along, the mercenaries erupted in cheers.

“Hey! The Vice-Commander is back!”

“Did you really catch him?”

“That guy’s actually a priest of the Guwon Church?”

By now, all the Holy Warriors had collapsed, transformed into mindless monsters by the corruption of the Demonic Realm.

Not a single mercenary had been lost.

That was because Julien and Tyron had held the Holy Warriors at bay in the front while Deneb stayed at the rear, healing the wounded.

In truth, with their level of skill, Julien and Tyron could have taken down all the Holy Warriors on their own—it would’ve just taken some time. But instead, they «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» focused on defense, ensuring that the less experienced mercenaries remained safe.

It was the same strategy Ghislain had employed by luring Ismoken away, minimizing casualties.

Now that Ismoken had been captured, the battle was completely over.

Ghislain smiled and said,

“Deneb, we need to show them proof. Run a little test.”

“Got it.”

Deneb placed his hand on Ismoken’s body and released a surge of divine power.

The moment it made contact, Ismoken’s flesh ignited. The power wielded by the Guwon Church was fundamentally incompatible with true divine energy.

“Kyaaaaah!”

Ismoken shrieked in agony, thrashing wildly.